Michigan’s “Old 27″ – Photos From the 1920s-1960s

We have our own version of America's Route 66 right here in Michigan. Sure, there is a different 'Route 66' here, but Old 27 is the true successor to that original, country-wide highway.

Old 27 signs are frequent along US-127 and many times we take it just for the adventure. Many of the original structures from the 1920s are still along the road, making it all the more enjoyable.

On November 11, 1926, routes M-29 and M-14  were combined into US-27 which led from the state line to Cheboygan. For a brief time, it even extended to Mackinaw City, across the Straits of Mackinaw (no bridge yet), and into St. Ignace.

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Over the years, Old 27's route kept changing and changing; so much so, it boggles the mind to read it's history. If you have the patience, you can read all those changes here.

Classic car roadtrips are taken on Old 27 every August. “The Old US 27 Motor Tour” was started by Lansing area resident Craig Parrish after he successfully got the Michigan House of Representatives to designate Old 27 an Historic Highway in 2010.

The annual tour begins in Coldwater and ends in Cheboygan, with towns participating by welcoming the convoy as the classic cars pass thru. Along the classic route you'll find remnants of old road-stop eateries, cafe's, food stands, and gas stations...some open, some shut down...plus plenty more to see when you go thru the many village downtowns.

I was proud to call Craig my friend...he passed away on July 29, 2021, but the cruises continue every year. You can read more about the annual Old 27 cruise here.

The gallery below shows some old images of Old US-27 from the 1920s to the 1960s!

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